“We know we need to look at our market rates and change the steps,” Crockett said.

The county uses a step system that was developed to give increases based on longevity in a grade and position.

Progression in the step system is attained through yearly step increases which are awarded on the anniversary of the employee completing probation or upon the anniversary of their latest promotion or transfer. The employee also must have a satisfactory work evaluation.

Eddy County Community Services Director Wesley Hooper speaks to the Eddy County Commission Tuesday.(Photo: Mike Smith-Current-Argus)

“We were looking at a Step 7 for our market rate, so it changed it to where we will look at a Step 3 across the board for our market rate analysis, which will be done in December,” Crockett said.

The pay raise will take effect Sept. 23.

“We hope it will boost their morale,” Crockett said. “It also puts them at competitive rates with other employees in the county.”